Vinod Kumar Shukla Cremated with state Honours in Raipur

The last rites of renowned Chhattisgarh-based Hindi writer and Jnanpith Award recipient Vinod Kumar Shukla were performed with full State honours in the State Capital Raipur on Wednesday. The last rites of the 88-year-old writer were held at Marwadi Shamshan Ghat in Budha Talab area here this afternoon, where senior officials, litterateurs, journalists and people from other walks of life bid an emotional farewell to him. His son Shashwat Shukla lit the funeral pyre.

Prior to that, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai visited the residence of the late litterateur at Shailendra Nagar here and expressed his condolences to the bereaved family. Talking to reporters, Sai said the demise of Vinod Kumar Shukla has caused an irreparable loss to Hindi literature.

“Born in the soil of Chhattisgarh, Shukla’s writings are a unique blend of sensitivity, human values and simple yet profound expression. His literary contribution took Hindi literature to new heights,” the CM said. “His works not only deeply touch readers but will continue to inspire and guide future generations. His contribution to the literary world will always be remembered,” Sai added. The CM offered a wreath on Shukla’s mortal remains and prayed for peace to the departed soul. He also lent his shoulder to Shukla’s mortal remains and joined the funeral procession, bidding an emotional farewell to the renowned writer.

Talking to reporters after visiting Shukla’s residence, noted poet Dr Kumar Vishwas said his death marks the end of an era in Indian poetry. Recalling his association with the writer, Vishwas said that for those born in the 1970s and whose literary consciousness developed in the 1980s, reading and listening to Vinod Kumar Shukla was an experience in itself. Indian and Hindi poetry have suffered a major loss with his passing, he said. He remained away from publicity and lived like a quiet seeker, and departed in the same serene manner. Indian poetry will always remember him for his immense contribution. I have come to pay my final respects, Dr Vishwas said.

Shukla died on Tuesday evening due to age-related ailments at the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur. Born on January 1, 1937, in Rajnandgaon (now in Chhattisgarh), Vinod Kumar Shukla is widely regarded as one of the most distinctive voices in Hindi literature. He authored acclaimed novels such as “Naukar Ki Kameez”, “Khilega to Dekhenge”, “Deewar Mein Ek Khirkee Rahati Thi” and “Ek Chuppi Jagah”. His work captures the emotions of ordinary people, portraying everyday life, and exploring the intricate realities of society. He was widely regarded as one of the most distinctive voices in Hindi literature, known for his unique, simple, and deeply evocative writing style. Shukla received both of India’s most prestigious literary honours: The Sahitya Akademi Award for “Deewar Mein Ek Khirkee Rahati Thi” in 1999, and the 59th Jnanpith Award in November this year, becoming only the 12th Hindi author to earn this distinguished recognition. The Jnanpith award was presented to him on November 21 at a small ceremony held at his residence.

He was the first author from Chhattisgarh to receive the prestigious award. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Chhattisgarh on November 1, spoke to the family members of the acclaimed writer and enquired about his health and well-being. Shukla’s novel “Naukar Ki Kameez” was adapted into a film of the same name by filmmaker Mani Kaul.

The case came to light after three pages of a question paper went viral on social media during the examination held on September 21 for recruitment to various Government departments.

The incident triggered protests across Uttarakhand, prompting the State Government to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT). Following protests by unemployed youth, the State Government handed over the investigation to the CBI.

The examination, in which over one lakh candidates had appeared for 416 posts, was subsequently cancelled on October 11. The CBI registered the case in late October.